Theme Thursday, Wednesday Outing and Winner of the EW&F Contest

This week the challenge on Theme Thursday is Pattern.  Well since I just finished this "controlled doodling" heart piece, I thought I would join in.  Is this enough pattern for you? *smiles*
After fighting a cold for the past several days, I finally went out on Wednesday.  I was going to meet up with Joy Kennedy (Inspiration Emporium) and Michelle Fowler for dinner at Olive Garden.  And as nice as it was to dine with these two ladies, there was another reason for us getting together.
left to right:  joy, me and michelle
nice meeting you michelle!


Joy was delivering what was in this box to me . . .
joy with "the box"


joy posing with my vagabond!
Yep, my very own - brand new - still in the box - VAGABOND!  Can you feel my excitement?  I mean REALLY, this is my first EVER die-cutting machine!  Soooo glad I waited all these years so this could be my "first" :)

But here's the KICKER!  Joy tells me that someone has gifted the Vagabond to me!  Say whaaaaat?!  A GIFT????  She said she was asked not to tell who it was from, but only that they saw that was the only thing I wanted for Christmas so they got it for me.


Wow . . . I am almost speechless (yes, ME - speechless!).  Whoever the angel was that gifted me the Vagabond, please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I was so surprised, overwhelmed and am very thankful for such a fab-u-lous random act of kindness! 


On to the winner of my Earth Wind & Fire crossword puzzle contest (before I get all tear-eyed again!).  


The winner IS . . . LINDA HOFFMAN from Scrappin Bears' Studio!  Congratulations Linda - I am putting your surprise package together and whisking it off to you on Friday morning.  And don't worry. I already have your snail mail address :)


I'm so glad I'm off work today so I can play with my new toy!

28 comments:

Ozstuff said...

Your zentangled doodle is stunning! I love it.

I also enjoyed the story of your night out with the girls, culminating in receiving such a spectacular and useful gift.

Happy New Year!

Rika said...

Love your creation!

Helen said...

Love the zentangle, and WHAT a gift - I must start making my wishes public!! Enjoy - and share what you create with us, please!

Nancy Lynn said...

Your Zentangled heart piece is beautiful. I am so happy about your receiving the Vagabond from an "Angel". You so deserve it. Have fun playing with it and can't wait to see what you make with it.

minnie_mac said...

I really do love your doodling.

What a wonderful surprise gift. You will have lots and lots of fun with it.

Marilyn

Amy said...

a very artful heart design..great drawing!

SusanK said...

What an awesome gift! I can see lots of good times coming your way as you play with your new gift!

K said...

your zentangle is gorgeous!!!

Linda said...

Thanks!

Love the heart! I really must try "zentangling"! It looks like so much fun!

What an awesome gift! Since you've never owned a die cutting machine, what is going to be the first die you get/use?

Linda

Barbara Mason said...

Holy Chamoly girl - what a wonderful gift -that angel must wear an extra large halo!!! Of course you are such a good woman & deserve kind angel gifts....Hey your zentangle heart isn't too shabby either...What will you be cutting now???

grannypoppy said...

I am so happy for you! What a wonderful act of kindness. I'm sure the generous, anonymous gifter is sitting with a big smile on their face when they read how happy this has made you. Look forward to seeing what you create with your new Vagabond!

Happy New Year Sherry

Lynn Stevens said...

Oh my gosh, What a wonderful surprize, A new Vagabond, WOW!!!!
how very generous of someone very special!

Love your doodling too!

Nancy D. said...

What a fabulous gift & surprise for you!!!...love your doodle!

Anonymous said...

The best gift of all....that someone cares so much for you!
So, what is on your wish list for dies and embossing folders?
Eileen

Jen said...

I'm SO SO SO happy for you, Sherry!!!! I had NO idea this was your very first die cutting machine!! That just makes it even MORE special!! Seriously, I can't think of anyone who deserves such a wonderful angel act more than you!! You have a heart of gold and an incredible spirit!! I hope you get many years of enjoyment from the Vagabond!!

cigarboxbeads said...

oh, sherry! what a wonderful secret santa angel you have!!11111!!--but you are such a wonderful person--that's why!

sorry i've fallen off the edge of the internetS- but i'm now wishing you a happy new year and such fun with your Vagabond!;>)

marilyn

indybev said...

Beautiful, beautiful zentangling! Also, I enjoyed the story of your dinner with the girls and your gift of a Vagabond. What fun!

Jennie -The Artistic Stamper said...

How fabulous is that! Have great great fun with your vagabond :)))
and wishing you and your family a Happy New Year ! See you in 2011!!
Hugs xx

Linda Ledbetter said...

YAY!!! That's awesome, Sherry, and no one deserves it more. You bring such inspiration to us all, and it's only right that good things come back to you!

And huge, HUGE congrats to Linda H, another EWF fan!!!

Happy New Year, dear friend! I hope 2011 is your favorite year yet!

Judy said...

Happy New Year, Sherry!! So good to see pics of you looking great! Am so glad to see that. This year will be much better!! You take care!

Connie said...

Love your zentangle! ...and congratulations on your vagabond. i too have never had a cutting machine - so let me know how you like it!
Wishing you the very best in 2011!

deb famularo said...

Sherry!!!! That is so awesome, and you deserve it girl. 2010 brought some tough obstacles your way, but you fought through them with grace and strong faith. Here;s to a new year, may 2011 be filled with good health, lots of joy and happiness. lots of love.....d xOxO

voodoo vixen said...

Oooh Shirley, your zentangled heart is gorgeous and what a good girl you must have been last year to get such a fabulous gift!! :) Happy New Year to you. Annette

Erin Glee said...

Amazing generosity from your Secret Santa! Enjoy the Journey with your Vagabond!

TiffanyJane said...

Hello Sweet Sherry!!! Love your Pattern Heart.....simply Awesome!!!
So glad you got to meet up with friends, that will help anyone get over a cold :)

Happy New Year to you!!!!
hugs~~
Tiff

Paper Bagley said...

What fun, unique and creative work from your heart. Tootsie

Gina said...

There is no one I can think of that deserves that cutter more than you and I am so happy someone made my wish come true for you!

Charmingdesigns said...

Ok, now I SEE that you got one. I am so happy for you. I know how excited you were when Tim showed you the demo.